Use a solar water heater to keep your pools, tubs and plumbing full of piping hot, but cheap, water. Heating water with natural gas or electricity is not that efficient, but with solar energy, water takes the suns energy and keeps temperatures steady. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.
Just thinking about major changes in the home to accommodate sources of greener energy is really overwhelming to most homeowners. You may not know where to start and whether or not you will see a decrease in your bills. Take time to read the following guidelines to determine the things that could greatly benefit your house.
Are you a farm owner? If so, you can rent a portion of it so wind turbines can be installed. Not only will the turbine use minimal land, it can provide you with free energy.
You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. When you aren’t using an appliance, unplug it. Try turning off the TV and lights when they’re not in use. This simple little suggestion can save you money.
Consult a technician for more information about switching to biodiesel heating if your home currently uses oil for heating. Many systems allow a switch to biodiesel or biofuel with slight modifications. Biodiesel is cleaner and more efficient to burn than oil, and it has a better affect on the environment.
The U.S. Government makes grant funds available as an incentive for consumers to start using green energy. Get in touch with your local government to find out what kind of programs exist in your area. It may be possible for you to get wind or solar installation for free, or you may be able to get a deductions on your taxes.
Keep your refrigerator well maintained. Refrigerators use a large amount of electricity, and keeping it in good condition ensures this energy footprint is as low as it can be. Clean the dust off of the heating coils on a regular basis. Also, make sure that the seal around the door is clean and tight.
Maybe you can use solar water heaters instead of traditional heating methods. If freezing temperatures are never a concern in your area, consider a system that circulates water through solar heaters before sending it into your house. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.
Trade in your old major appliances for new ones with the Energy Star rating. This rating ensures that the appliance was built to use less energy than the other non Energy Star products. For freezers and refrigerators, the rating guarantees 20 percent less energy used, 40 percent for dishwashers, and at least 50 percent when it comes to washing machines.
Try drying your laundry outside in the sun whenever possible, rather than using a dryer. The sun can give clothing an incredible smell. They will have a much fresher smell than drying them with an appliance will provide. Additionally, you will have substantial savings on your utility bills every month that you dry clothes outside.
Install automatic light sensors with motion detection into your most highly trafficked rooms. The lights in these rooms are turned off by the sensors when not in use, resulting in energy and money savings. Install these sensors on your outdoor lighting as well for more savings.
A home may have a vastly different layout or be in a different location. Because of these differences, not every home is well-suited for all types of green technology. Some things work well for most homes, and others don’t work at all. Use the tips that work best for your home.
You should always be using your ceiling fans, even in the winter. Warm air is pushed down when the fan is running in a clockwise rotation. This will save energy so that makes running the fans worth it.